Mumbai, 30 July 2025 – The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has officially launched the portal for the Joint Admission Test for Masters (JAM) 2026 , offering science graduates a gateway to postgraduate programmes at IITs and other premier institutes. According to the new schedule, the online application window opens on 5 September 2025 and closes on 12 October 2025 【650987958808887†L100-L125】. The national‑level entrance exam will be held on 15 February 2026 , and the results are expected on 20 March 2026 【650987958808887†L113-L126】.
What is IIT JAM and who conducts it?
JAM is a computer‑based test administered by one IIT every year on behalf of the Ministry of Education . The 2026 edition will be organised by IIT Bombay , which also hosted the exam in 2010 and 2021. A spokesperson for IIT Bombay told The Rising News , “The JAM examination is an opportunity for science graduates to pursue advanced degrees at IITs, IISc and other participating institutions. We encourage candidates to mark the deadlines in their calendars and apply only through the official portal jam2026.iitb.ac.in.”
Key dates and exam schedule
Aspiring candidates should note the following timeline:
– 5 September 2025: JAM Online Application Processing System (JOAPS) portal opens
– 12 October 2025: Last date to submit applications
– 5 January 2026: Admit cards available for download
– 15 February 2026: Examination date
– 20 March 2026: Results announced.
On exam day, there will be two sessions: a forenoon session (9:30 am – 12:30 pm) for Chemistry (CY), Geology (GG) and Mathematics (MA), and an afternoon session (2:30 pm – 5:30 pm) for Biotechnology (BT), Economics (EN), Mathematical Statistics (MS) and Physics (PH)【650987958808887†L127-L138】.
Eligibility and participating institutes
JAM is open to students with a bachelor’s degree (or in the final year) in science or related disciplines. There is no age limit. The exam score is used not only by the IITs and Indian Institute of Science (IISc) but also by Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology and several other Centrally Funded Technical Institutions
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through the official portal. Candidates will need to create a JOAPS login, provide personal and academic details, select test papers and examination cities (up to three preferences), and pay the application fee. Detailed instructions and a mock application form will be available on the portal. Applicants should use only the official website to avoid fraudulent portals, and ensure they have a valid email address and phone number for communication.
Examination pattern
The JAM paper consists of three sections – Section A (multiple‑choice), Section B (multiple‑select) and Section C (numerical answer). The total duration is 180 minutes , and the maximum score is 100 marks . Negative marking applies only in Section A. Syllabus details for each subject are available on the official JAM website. Candidates can appear in one or two test papers, but the second paper must be from a different session.
Why the exam matters
A high JAM score opens doors to more than 3,000 seats across IITs and IISc in programmes such as MSc, MSc–PhD dual degree and Joint MSc–PhD. Alumni of these programmes are employed in research labs, technology firms and universities worldwide. Dr Priya Sharma, a faculty member at IIT Bombay, noted, “JAM has become the most credible benchmark for science admissions. The new schedule gives students ample time to prepare. We advise aspirants to start early and practise previous years’ papers.”
Preparation tips
Experts recommend creating a study plan that covers core concepts and regular mock tests. Joining coaching classes is optional; many top performers rely on self‑study and online resources. Candidates should also ensure they meet the Eligibility Requirements (ER) and Minimum Educational Qualifications (MEQ) specified by the institutes【65098798808887†L145-L148】.
The JAM registration window is only open for 39 days – so set reminders and apply before the deadline. Follow us for more verified updates.
